Delhi Public School (DPS) in Nerul, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has cleared the garbage-filled site, addressing a long-standing issue of waste accumulation.
The plot, which had become a dumping ground for waste, overgrown weeds, and trash, had been a glaring contrast to NMMC’s ongoing “Clean City” campaign. The plot’s condition had drawn the ire of local residents, parents of DPS students, and environmental activists, all of whom expressed frustration over the city’s failure to maintain such critical public spaces. The issue was first brought to light by a recent report in The Free Press Journal (FPJ), which focused on the deteriorating conditions of the site and highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among local stakeholders. Within just two days of the article’s publication, the NMMC sanitation team moved in to remove the waste and clear the plot, addressing immediate concerns.
Sunil Agrawal, an environment activist associated with the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group, commended the swift action by the civic body but stressed the need for a sustainable, long-term solution. “We appreciate that the civic body acted promptly after media exposure,” Agrawal remarked. “However, this should not be a one-time clean-up. The area needs a sustainable plan — something like a green space or a butterfly garden, which can benefit the community and provide an environmental uplift.” The NMMC’s prompt intervention came after persistent complaints from DPS parents and local residents, who had long voiced their concerns about the site’s condition. Parents of students at DPS Nerul expressed relief at the removal of garbage but pointed out that such efforts needed to be part of a larger vision for the area. “We don’t want the problem to return in a few weeks,” said a concerned parent. “There needs to be a vision to transform this plot into a well-maintained public space, not just reactive clean-ups that fade away.”
The garbage site had drawn a stark contrast to the city’s other beautification efforts, such as the murals and slogans painted along Palm Beach Road. While these initiatives were celebrated as part of the city’s “Clean City” initiative, residents felt that the reality on the ground — particularly near major educational institutions — did not match the high standards expected of Navi Mumbai. Many had pointed out that while beautification projects were actively being pursued, basic waste management in some areas was being overlooked. In response to the FPJ report, an NMMC officer acknowledged the concerns and promised that future efforts would focus on regular waste management. However, the incident raised questions about the city’s broader waste management policies and long-term sustainability. Critics have called for a more strategic approach, which would include plans for turning neglected areas like the DPS Nerul plot into functional spaces that could serve the community and contribute to environmental well-being.
For now, the clean-up serves as a short-term victory for the city’s residents. But moving forward, the challenge lies in ensuring that such issues do not recur and that Navi Mumbai’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in every corner of the city. The community’s call for long-term green solutions, including creating parks, gardens, and open spaces, highlights a growing demand for more eco-friendly, sustainable urban planning. As Navi Mumbai continues its journey towards becoming a model of cleanliness and sustainability, it remains to be seen whether the NMMC can maintain this momentum, ensuring that these reactive clean-ups evolve into proactive, community-driven solutions that align with the city’s environmental goals.
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